The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is making its only stop in the state of Michigan this year to battle in the Keyser Manufacturing Great Lakes Shootout at Lake City's Merritt Speedway on Saturday and Sunday.

While the touring series makes only one stop in the state for this two-night show, the competition is no less fierce than when they visit a state with multiple venues. Last year, local favorite Eric Spangler claimed his first World of Outlaws victory in the 25-lap affair, and he brought Nick Kurtz -- another Michigan driver -- with him to second.

The highest finishing Outlaw was Josh Richards in third, and he had to survive the quarter-mile bullring.

"These locals are just tough watching them," Richards said after his third-place finish. "They know how to get around this track. It's so different than what we're used to. It's so small... They were doing a great job."

Spangler's 2016 win was his first in the series, but not the first time he came close. In 2013, he battled hard with Tim Fuller before settling for second.

"It was a good time -- and amazing time," Spangler said from the podium. "I was thrilled just to be racing for a win in a World of Outlaws race. That's probably why I bumped the (inside) tires a couple times here and there. I was getting a little too excited and was missing my marks just thinking, I can't believe where I'm at right now."

In the second night's 50-lap A-Main, Rich Neiser finished third behind Richards and Brandon Overton.

"I represented Michigan the best I could and, as far as I'm concerned, I won the thing," Neiser said after last year's race.